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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Opus 2015-92: Our Nostrils

I wrote recently about God’s nostrils. My mind keeps working

I thought about how Christians have an odor.

(2 Corinthians 2:15-16 KJV) For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

The KJV is a bit confusing here by translating different Greek words with the same English word.

In verse 15 the word for “savour” is a compound word meaning literally “good stink”. In verse 16 it is a simple “smell”. There is a difference. I hope you can see that. To God and other believers we are a good stink. To others we are a smell of death. No wonder they want to get us out of the public square.

I got to thinking about it with a change of direction. We are to savor God, not just smell Him. To me you savor something when you take the time to focus on it. A few weeks ago in the first brush of spring a bush by our front door was really putting out the perfume. I walked by it and smelled it several times. Then one trip I noticed it and stopped to breath in slowing and savor the experience. I focused. I felt the contrast. I enjoyed.

We can do that with the presence of God. It can happen in a worship service. It can happen when we are alone. Sometimes God is so forward that we can’t avoid Him. Usually He requires us to focus and be receptive.

So use your nostrils. Smell the glories of nature. Savor the glory of God.